Utility knife blades having multiple cutting edges and securing connections

ABSTRACT

A three-sided, multi-edged disposable cutting blade for use within a utility knife. The cutting blade features between three and six distinct cutting edges. The cutting blade may be rotated and flipped such that each cutting edge may be presented from the utility knife as the active cutting edge. Features of the cutting blade include a wear-coat indicator which is located at or near each cutting edge and indicates when an edge has been used; grippable locations on the body of the blade to increase the grippibility of the blade when removing and handling the blade; multiple mounting-hole orientations; and mass-reducing punch-outs which reduce cutting friction of the blade against the object being cut.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/018,113, filed Sep. 4, 2013, which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/743,426, filed on Sep. 4, 2012, and which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/199,206, filed Aug. 23, 2011, which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/402,536, filed Sep. 1, 2010, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates to utility knife blades, and more particularly, to unconventional utility knife blades with multiple defined individual cutting edges that allow the user to have available on one blade, multiple individual cutting edges that will be used with special designed utility knives.

2. Background and Description of the Related Art

Conventional disposable utility blades are well known in the art. These blades, along with their knives, have many industrial as well as home uses, such as for opening boxes, cutting cord or cutting wallboard. Typical utility blades are encased in a plastic or metal handle in either a fixed or retractable position. When in use, the blade is positioned to extend outwardly from the handle, exposing the cutting edge and one of the cutting points of the blade.

Utility knife blades come in a variety of shapes depending upon the intended use. A conventional utility blade has a generally trapezoidal shape that includes a back edge, a cutting edge and two side edges. The trapezoidal shaped blades have two cutting edges or tips formed at the intersections between the side edges and the cutting edge. These sharp points or tips enable a user to puncture through a material which is desired to be cut, such as sealing tape or a cardboard box. Once the object has been punctured and penetrated, the user can slice open the material by dragging the knife along the surface of the material allowing the cutting edge to cut through the material.

Existing prior art includes U.S. Pat. Nos.: 7,921,568; 5,557,852; 2,542,582; 4,592,113; 3,037,342; 5,636,845; and 4,745,653.

Although trapezoidal-shaped utility blades are widely used, they have only two usable cutting edges. They have the disadvantage that when the two edges get dull, the blade has to be replaced. The two-edged blade, therefore, requires more frequent replacement after the two cutting edges are worn out.

Break-off style blades with a multitude of cutting edges are not well suited for many applications and there is a greater safety or injury risk due to potential snap-off during usage when side loads are applied.

There is a need for an improved utility knife blade that overcomes one or more of the above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of conventional prior art utility knife blades.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a utility knife employing a blade having multiple cutting edges, and a means for quickly and simply swapping out one cutting edge for another.

In a preferred embodiment, a six-cutting-edge featured blade is employed. Each point of the generally triangular-shaped, multiple-cutting-edge featured blade features two distinct cutting edges, for a total of six cutting edges located on a single blade. The blade can be rotated about a central axis to expose new cutting edges as old edges wear and dull.

One embodiment of the present invention features a knife handle capable of holding a blade with multiple cutting edges, such that the blade can be turned or flipped to present a new cutting edge when the previous cutting edge has become dull.

Another embodiment features a hinged flap which bolts against the handle, thereby making it even simpler to install, flip, or exchange blades.

Another embodiment features a hinged flap and also a number of support pegs which provide additional support for the blade and may be used in situations where higher pressure is applied to the blade during the cutting process. The pegs may be removable or permanently attached to the handle.

The blades feature several different aspects, including curved or straight cutting edges, hooked cutting edges, and a plurality of connecting features for connecting the blades to a handle in such a way as to ensure the blade is secure and provides the best cutting performance.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent in view of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a three-sided blade.

FIG. 1B is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 1C is a rear elevational view thereof, showing the blade edges located on the front face in hidden lines.

FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of a three-sided blade being fitted into a simplified knife handle and blade receiver head.

FIG. 2B is a second step in a series thereof.

FIG. 2C is a third step in a series thereof.

FIG. 2D is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration.

FIG. 3B is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 3C is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration.

FIG. 4B is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 4C is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 5A is a side elevational view of a three-sided blade with notched receivers being fitted into a simplified knife handle and blade receiver head, the view including a cut-away view of the blade being contained within the handle.

FIG. 5B is a side elevational view thereof, showing the external face of the handle.

FIG. 5C is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 5D is sectional view thereof, showing the blade being received by the handle in more detail.

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including hooked blade-ends.

FIG. 6B is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 6C is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including double-hooked blade-ends.

FIG. 7B is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 7C is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including notched receivers located between cutting edges which would be received by a handle as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D.

FIG. 8B is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 8C is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 9A is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including notched receivers located between cutting edges and an alternative mounting hole located centrally within the blade.

FIG. 9B is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 9C is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 10A is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including notched receivers located between cutting edges and etched gripping surfaces located at various locations on the face of the blade.

FIG. 10B is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 10C is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 10D is a more detailed view taken about the circle in FIG. 10C.

FIG. 10E shows a blade featuring an alternative etching pattern from that shown in FIGS. 10A-10D.

FIG. 11A is an isometric view of a three-sided blade of an alternative configuration including mass-reducing cut-outs.

FIG. 11B is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 11C is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 11D is an isometric view of an alternative orientation thereof, featuring additional mass-reducing cut-outs.

FIG. 11E is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 11F is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 12A is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment multi-edged blade.

FIG. 12B is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 12C is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 13A is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment multi-edged blade including mass-reducing spaces.

FIG. 13B is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 13C is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a handle receiving the blade shown in FIGS. 6A-6C.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a handle receiving the blade shown in FIGS. 7A-7C.

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of an alternative blade.

FIG. 17 is an elevational view of another alternative blade.

FIG. 18 is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade.

FIG. 19 is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade.

FIG. 20 is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade.

FIG. 21 is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade.

FIG. 22 is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade.

FIG. 23 is an elevational view of yet another alternative blade.

FIG. 24A is a rear elevational view of a knife handle containing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24B is a front elevational view thereof, showing the hinged panel in an open position.

FIG. 25A is a rear elevational view of another knife handle containing another slightly-altered embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25B is a front elevational view thereof, showing the hinged panel in an open position.

FIG. 26A is a rear elevational view of another knife handle containing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26B is a front elevational view thereof, showing the hinged panel in an open position.

FIG. 27A is an elevational view showing an embodiment of the present invention which includes a wear coat shown in original condition.

FIG. 27B is an elevational view thereof showing the wear coat in a worn condition signifying that the blade should be rotated.

FIG. 28A is an elevational view showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention which includes a wear coat shown in original condition.

FIG. 28B is an elevational view thereof showing the wear coat in a worn condition signifying that the blade should be rotated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the disclosed subject matter are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, base, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as oriented in the view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning

A preferred embodiment features a generally planar blade featuring three distinct points, each point featuring at least one cutting edge. The blade is designed to be rotated amongst the cutting edges as the edges wear down from use.

II. Preferred Embodiment Knife Blade 3

FIGS. 1A-C show a typical three-sided knife blade 3 having six cutting edges 5. Each edge can, in turn, be presented from a knife handle (see FIGS. 2A-D) by flipping or turning the blade within the blade retaining head of the handle. The handle in the preferred embodiment would include a right portion 10 and a left portion 20 which join together to form the handle with a head portion 9 having a blade receiver gap 50. Each cutting edge is labeled by an edge label 11. A blade cutting edge indicator 13 distinguishes the cutting edge from the body of the blade. FIG. 1C shows the gap 17 located between two separate cutting edges 5. The gap can be a flat space, a notch, or it could be a continuous cutting edge. The purpose of the gap 17 is to designate between two separate cutting edges.

FIGS. 2A-D show how a blade 3 would be inserted into a blade receiver slot 50 within the receiving head 9 of a knife handle having a right half 10 and a left half 20. A handle mounting hole 8 located in the handle is aligned with the central mounting hole 7 of the blade 3, and a mounting bolt 6 secures the blade within the handle.

III. First Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 53

FIGS. 3A-C show an alternative arrangement of the three-sided blade which includes a secondary ring of mounting holes 62 which provides additional stability to a blade secured by those holes in addition to the blade retaining hole 57. Here also, the cutting edge 55, cutting edge indicator 63 and cutting edge identifier 61 may be used.

IV. Second Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 103

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, an alternative embodiment three-tipped blade 103 includes six cutting edges 105 each labeled with a cutting edge identifier 111 and defined by a cutting edge indicator 113. A centralized mounting hole 107 is used for mounting this blade 103 into a handle. This blade features angled edges, forming a 6-sided planar blade.

V. Third Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 153

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, an alternative embodiment three-tipped blade 153 includes six cutting edges 155 each labeled with a cutting edge identifier 161 and defined by a cutting edge indicator 163. A blade notch 154 is located between the two cutting edges 155 defining each side of the blade 153. This notch provides greater stability and secures the blade 153 within the mounting head 159 of the handle comprising a right half 160 and a left half 170. A mounting pin 156 secures the blade 153 to the mounting head 159 via the central mounting hole 157.

The blade notches relieve pressure on the cutting blade 153 when the blade is actively cutting an object. This prevents the edge of the blade from being pressed against the interior of the utility knife receiving head, which can cause inactive cutting edges to become dulled. The receiving head of the utility knife handle includes notched posts which receive the blade notches 154. These notches also assist in manufacturing purposes, indexing, and assuring that the blade is properly located within the knife handle.

VI. Fourth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 203

FIGS. 6A-6C show another embodiment of a knife blade 203 having a generally planar shape and featuring three hooked tips 204 each having a cutting edge 205 located along the inside of the hook feature. Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier 211. Blade notches 206 help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole 207 features multiple radiating arms which help to lock the blade in place when mounted within a blade handle. Additional mounting holes 212 are located around the central mounting hole 207 to receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle.

FIG. 14 shows a handle 210 receiving the blade 203. Three pegs 220 are inserted through the secondary mounting holes 212. A panel 214 closes over the blade 203 once it is inserted into the handle. The panel has peg receivers 218 and a central locking element receiver 216 which secure the blade between the panel and the handle 210.

The mounting pegs relieve pressure on the cutting blade 203 when the blade is actively cutting an object. This prevents the edge of the blade from being pressed against the interior of the utility knife receiving head, which can cause inactive cutting edges to become dulled. The mounting holes which are associated with the pegs also assist in manufacturing purposes, indexing, and assuring that the blade is properly located within the knife handle.

VII. Fifth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 253

FIGS. 7A-7C show another embodiment of a knife blade 253 having a generally planar shape and featuring three double-hooked tips 254 each having two cutting edges 255 located along the inside of the hook feature. Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier 261. Blade notches 256 help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole 257 features multiple radiating arms which help to lock the blade in place when mounted within a blade handle. Additional mounting holes 262 are located around the central mounting hole 257 to receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle

FIG. 15 shows a handle 260 receiving the blade 203. Three pegs 270 are inserted through the secondary mounting holes 262. A panel 264 closes over the blade 253 once it is inserted into the handle. The panel has peg receivers 268 and a central locking element receiver 266 which secure the blade between the panel and the handle 260.

VIII. Sixth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 303

FIGS. 8A-8C show another embodiment of a knife blade 303 having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges 305. Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier 311 and a cutting edge indicator 313. Blade notches 304 help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole 307 features multiple radiating arms or spokes which help to lock the blade in place when mounted within a blade handle. Additional mounting holes 312 are located around the central mounting hole 307 to receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle

IX. Seventh Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 353

FIGS. 9A-9C show another embodiment of a knife blade 353 having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges 355. Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier 361 and a cutting edge indicator 363. Blade notches 354 help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole 357 features a large geometric opening having three long sides and three short sides to lock the blade in place when mounted within a blade handle. Additional mounting holes 362 are located around the central mounting hole 357 to receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle.

X. Eighth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 403

FIGS. 10A-10D show another embodiment of a knife blade 403 having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges 405. Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier 411 and a cutting edge indicator 413. Blade notches 404 help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole 407 and secondary mounting holes 412 receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle. A grip surface 416 including a hole 417 is located in proximity to each of the three points of the cutting blade 403. The grip surface enhances the ability to grasp the blade for replacement or when turning the blade to use a new cutting edge.

FIG. 10E shows a slightly altered version wherein the pattern of the grip surface 420 is based upon concentric rings instead of the pattern shown in FIGS. 10A-10D.

XI. Ninth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 453

FIGS. 11A-11C show another embodiment of a knife blade 453 having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges 455. Each cutting edge is identified by a cutting edge identifier 461. Blade notches 454 help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole 457 and secondary mounting holes 462 receive mounting pegs or other securing elements when the blade is inserted into a handle. A number of mass-reducing cutouts 466 are punched through, cut out, or otherwise removed from the body of the blade 453. An example pattern is shown in FIGS. 11A-11C and an alternative pattern is shown in FIGS. 11D-11F featuring additional mass-reducing cutouts 466; however, any pattern, shape, or variation of mass-reducing cutouts could be used to reduce the weight of the blade 453. The purpose of the mass-reducing elements is to reduce friction while cutting using the blade.

XII. Tenth Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 503

FIGS. 12A-12DC show another embodiment of a knife blade 503 having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges 505. Blade notches 504 help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole 507 for mounting the blade to a handle (not shown) is centrally located in the blade 503.

XIII. Eleventh Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 553

FIGS. 13A-13C show a slightly altered embodiment of a knife blade 553 having a generally planar shape and featuring three tips each having two cutting edges 555. Blade notches 554 help to secure the blade to a blade handle (not shown). A central mounting hole 557 for mounting the blade to a handle (not shown) is centrally located in the blade 553. Mass-reducing cutouts 566 are shown removed symmetrically from each point of the blade 553, but the cutouts could be any shape and located anywhere on the blade's surface.

XIV. Additional Alternative Embodiment Knife Blades 603

FIGS. 16-23 present additional knife blade 603 variations to those blades described in detail above. Each includes blade cutting edge identifiers, many (FIGS. 16-21) include cutting edge indicators, and all present three or six cutting edges. FIG. 23 shows a knife blade 603 featuring a blade notch.

FIG. 16 presents a knife blade 603 having a 3-spoke center mounting hole 606. FIG. 17 presents a knife blade 603 having a triangular shaped center mounting hole 608. FIG. 19 presents a knife blade 603 having a six-pointed star shaped center mounting hole 610. FIG. 20 presents a knife blade 603 having scalloped cutting edges 616 and a six-spoked center mounting hole 612. FIG. 21 presents a knife blade 603 having a triangular-shaped center mounting hole 614 with rounded points.

Any variation of a three-pointed blade, from the general shape, placement of cutting edges, location and/or shape of mounting holes, and type of cutting edge surface, could be possible in an embodiment of the present invention.

XV. Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 653 and Knife Handle 660 Assembly

FIGS. 24A-24B show a handle 660 including a hinged panel 664 receiving another embodiment of a three-pointed knife blade 653 of generally planar shape. The blade 653 includes six cutting edges 655 each having a cutting edge identifier 661 and a cutting edge indicator 663. A central mounting hole 657 and three surrounding mounting holes 662 are used to secure the blade within the handle. The panel includes peg receiver holes 668 which receive pegs 670 passing through the secondary mounting holes 662 of the blade 653. A center mounting bolt receiver 666 is also located in the panel and is aligned with the center mounting hole 657 of the blade 653. In this orientation, the secondary mounting holes 662 closest to the two points not exposed from the handle are engaged with pegs 670, and the third secondary mounting hole associated with the point of the blade exposed from the handle is not engaged with a peg.

FIGS. 25A-25B show a slightly altered embodiment of the same knife blade 653 wherein the secondary mounting holes 662 are oriented such that all three are engaged with pegs 670 whenever the panel 664 is closed over the blade 653.

XVI. Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 703 and Knife Handle 710 Assembly

FIGS. 26A-26B show a handle 710 including a hinged panel 714 receiving another embodiment of a three-pointed knife blade 703 of generally planar shape. The blade 703 includes six cutting edges 705 each having a cutting edge identifier 711 and a cutting edge indicator 713. A central mounting hole 707 is used to secure the blade within the handle. The central mounting hole is of an abnormal shape featuring three short sides interspaced amongst three long sides which matches a similarly-shaped peg located on the handle. The shape of the mounting hole 707 and the peg does not matter, as long as it allows for the blade 703 to be rotated amongst the cutting edges and secures the blade from rotating when the peg is placed through the mounting hole. A mounting bolt receiver 720 is located in the center of the peg. The panel 714 includes a peg receiver 716 and a mounting bolt receiver hole 717.

XVII. Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 753 Featuring a Wear Coat Layer 768

FIGS. 27A-27B show a handle 760 including a blade receiver head 761 receiving another embodiment of a three-pointed knife blade 753 of generally planar shape. The blade 753 includes three or six cutting edges 755. A central mounting hole 757 is used to secure the blade within the handle.

The wear coat 768, possibly of an ink-like substance or other semi-permanent marking agent, may cover any or all portions of the blade 753. This would include the cutting edges 755 and any portion of the blades that would come in contact with the already cut material. The wear coat may be designed in any configuration, such as a circle, square or others. The wear-coat may consist of a Logo or company name, or may include cutting edge indicators in the forms of letters or numbers.

The wear-coat will allow the user the ability to distinguish between the used and the unused cutting surfaces 755 of the blade 753. As the blade is cutting through material, only that portion of the blade's wear-coat will sustain and visually show wear. Once the wear coat has been worn significantly away to a clean, smooth surface 770, it will be an indication to the user that the cutting edge should be swapped for a new cutting edge. Of course the user will make the ultimate determination based upon the dullness of the blade. Unused cutting edges on the blade will be immediately recognizable by the un-worn finish of the wear coat along those particular edges.

In some embodiments, the wear coat could double as a lubricant which would reduce the friction of the knife blade against the cutting surface. This could be particularly useful in certain fields of industry. The wear coat indicates both when the blade is likely becoming dull and when the lubricant is running low.

XVIII. Alternative Embodiment Knife Blade 803 Featuring a Wear Coat 818

FIGS. 28A-28B show an alternative method of establishing a wear coat, wherein the wear coat 818 consists of a raised or otherwise altered surface of the knife blade 803 along the cutting edge 805 of the blade. The blade 803 is mounted to a knife handle 810 via a central mounting hole 807 and multiple secondary mounting holes 812 using features disclosed elsewhere above. As the cutting edge is used, the surface area of the wear coat 818 becomes worn down and wears away to a smooth surface 820, indicating that the cutting edge is dull and should be switched.

For all of the above-mentioned embodiments, simple variations may be incorporated. For example, the blade's cutting edge can be straight, serrated, wave shaped or can have micro serration's and other shapes as needed. The blade can be of different materials such as steel alloys, bimetallic, tri-metallic, and ceramics and it can have different types of coatings to enhance its surface properties, hardness and to resist corrosion. The blade can be of different sizes and thickness.

All of the blade variations introduced in this application could be made of any appropriate material, such as stainless steel. However, these blades are also suitably made of carbide, ceramic, powder metal, or other non-typical materials. This is due to the novel features as discussed, such as the mounting pegs and mounting notches which relieve pressure on the actual blade during cutting action, thereby increasing the cutting edge's durability.

It is to be understood that while certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been shown and described, the disclosed subject matter is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects. 

Having thus described the invention, What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A disposable three-pointed cutting blade for use in a utility knife, the blade comprising: a generally planar body including a plurality of cutting edges, each cutting edge located at one of three distinct points of said body; said planar body including a first face and a second face; a primary mounting hole located at the center of said body, said mounting hole configured to receive a retaining bolt of the utility knife; wherein the cutting blade is configured to provide a first active cutting edge of said plurality of cutting edges when mounted to the utility knife; and wherein the cutting blade is configured to be rotated within the utility knife, whereby the first active cutting edge is replaced by a second active cutting edge of said plurality of cutting edges.
 2. The cutting blade of claim 1, further comprising: said body including a plurality of cutting edge indicators, each said indicator located on one of said first face and said second face of said planar body, the indicator indicating the location of a respective cutting edge; and a plurality of cutting edge identifiers located on one of said first face and said second face, each said identifier located adjacent to a respective cutting edge.
 3. The cutting blade of claim 2, wherein said plurality of cutting edge identifiers are selected from a list comprising: numbers, letters, and logos.
 4. The cutting blade of claim 2, wherein said cutting edge indicators are generally trapezoidal in shape.
 5. The cutting blade of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of secondary mounting holes located radially around said primary mounting hole.
 6. The cutting blade of claim 1, further comprising: said planar body including three distinct sides; and each said side including a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge of said plurality of cutting edges.
 7. The cutting blade of claim 6, wherein said first cutting edge and said second cutting edge meet to form an obtuse angle.
 8. The cutting blade of claim 6, wherein: a notch is located between said first cutting edge and said second cutting edge, said notch configured to receive a stabilizing element located within said utility knife to isolate the rotation of said cutting blade when retained within said utility knife; and said notch further configured to reduce contact between said cutting edges and said utility knife thereby preventing the dulling of said cutting edges.
 9. The cutting blade of claim 1, wherein said primary mounting hole comprises a plurality of spokes connected to a generally circular central cavity, said spokes configured to receive a tooth located on said retaining bolt.
 10. The cutting blade of claim 1, further comprising: each said distinct point comprising a single hook having an inner edge and an outer edge; and each said hook inner edge comprising one of said plurality of cutting edges.
 11. The cutting blade of claim 1, further comprising: each said distinct point comprising a double hook including a first hook inner edge, a second hook inner edge, and a convex outer edge joining said first hook inner edge and said second hook inner edge; and each said double hook inner edge comprising one of said plurality of cutting edges.
 12. The cutting blade of claim 1, wherein said primary mounting hole comprises a cavity punched out of the center of the body, said cavity featuring three long edges interspaced by three short edges forming a total of six sides.
 13. The cutting blade of claim 1, wherein a grippable area is located on at least one of said first face and said second face of said body, said grippable area including a plurality of cuts into the material comprising said body configured to increase the ability to grasp said cutting blade when removing, rotating, or replacing said blade within said utility knife.
 14. The cutting blade of claim 13, wherein a grip comprising said grippable area is located in proximity to each of said respective points on each of said first face and said second face of said body.
 15. The cutting blade of claim 14, wherein said grip is generally triangular in shape and wherein said grip contains a hole located at the center point, said hole piercing through said body.
 16. The cutting blade of claim 1, further comprising at least one mass-reducing cutout punched through the body of said cutting blade, said mass-reducing cutout configured to reduce cutting friction from said cutting blade when using a respective active cutting edge.
 17. The cutting blade of claim 1, wherein said primary mounting hole is triangular in shape.
 18. The cutting blade of claim 1, wherein said primary mounting hole is shaped as a six-sided star.
 19. The cutting blade of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of cutting edges features a scalloped edge.
 20. The cutting blade of claim 1, further comprising: a wear-coat applied to at least one of said first face and said second face of said body; said wear-coat covering generally each of said plurality of cutting edges; and said wear-coat configured to wear away as a respective cutting edge is used.
 21. The cutting blade of claim 20, wherein said wear-coat is comprised of a material selected from the list comprising: ink, paint, graphite, and raised metal bumps formed on the surface of said body.
 22. A method of using a cutting blade within a utility knife, the method comprising the steps: inserting a cutting blade into the receiving head of a utility knife, said cutting blade including a generally planar body having a first face and a second face, a plurality of cutting edges, each cutting edge located at one of three distinct points of said body, and a primary mounting hole located at the center of said body, said mounting hole configured to receive a retaining bolt of the utility knife, and said utility knife including said receiving head, a handle, and a retaining bolt. locking said cutting blade into the receiving head of said utility knife with said retaining bolt such that one of said plurality of cutting edges extends from said retaining head thereby becoming a first active cutting edge; cutting an object with said active cutting edge; loosening said retaining bolt; removing said cutting blade from said retaining head of said utility knife; rotating said cutting blade; and re-inserting said cutting blade into the receiving head of the utility knife such that a second of said plurality of cutting edges extends from said retaining head thereby becoming a second active cutting edge.
 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein a wear-coat is applied to at least one of said first face and said second face of said body, said wear-coat covering generally each of said plurality of cutting edges, and said wear-coat configured to wear-away upon use of a respective cutting edge coated by said wear-coat.
 24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the steps: indicating with said wear-coat that a respective cutting edge has been used; and changing the active cutting edge of said cutting blade based upon the indication of said wear-coat.
 25. The method according to claim 22, wherein: said body includes a plurality of cutting edge indicators, each said indicator located on one of said first face and said second face of said planar body, the indicator indicating the location of a respective cutting edge; and said body includes a plurality of cutting edge identifiers located on one of said first face and said second face, each said identifier located adjacent to a respective cutting edge.
 26. The method according to claim 25, wherein said plurality of cutting edge identifiers are selected from a list comprising: numbers, letters, and logos.
 27. The method according to claim 25, wherein said cutting edge indicators are generally trapezoidal in shape.
 28. The method according to claim 22, wherein a plurality of secondary mounting holes are located radially around said primary mounting hole.
 29. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step: further securing said cutting blade by aligning said secondary mounting holes with respective pegs located within the receiver head of said utility knife; and wherein said pegs configured to reduce contact between said cutting edges and said utility knife thereby preventing the dulling of said cutting edges.
 30. The method according to claim 22, wherein: said planar body includes three distinct sides; and each said side includes a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge of said plurality of cutting edges.
 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein said first cutting edge and said second cutting edge meet to form an obtuse angle.
 32. The method according to claim 30, wherein: a notch is located between said first cutting edge and said second cutting edge, said notch configured to receive a stabilizing element located within said utility knife to isolate the rotation of said cutting blade when retained within said utility knife; and said notch further configured to reduce contact between said cutting edges and said utility knife thereby preventing the dulling of said cutting edges.
 33. The method according to claim 22, wherein said primary mounting hole comprises a plurality of spokes connected to a generally circular central cavity, said spokes configured to receive a tooth located on said retaining bolt.
 34. The method according to claim 22, wherein said utility knife receiver head includes a hinged panel configured to close over said cutting blade upon placing said cutting blade within said receiver head.
 35. The method according to claim 22, wherein: each said distinct point comprises a single hook having an inner edge and an outer edge; and each said hook inner edge comprising one of said plurality of cutting edges.
 36. The method according to claim 35, wherein said utility knife receiver head includes a hinged panel configured to close over said cutting blade upon placing said cutting blade within said receiver head.
 37. The method according to claim 36, wherein: said primary mounting hole comprises a plurality of spokes connected to a generally circular central cavity, said spokes configured to receive a tooth located on said retaining bolt; and said panel includes a panel mounting hole for receiving said retaining bolt, said panel mounting hole shaped identically to said primary mounting hole.
 38. The method according to claim 37, wherein: a notch is located between said first cutting edge and said second cutting edge, said notch configured to receive a stabilizing element located within said utility knife to isolate the rotation of said cutting blade when retained within said utility knife; and said notch further configured to reduce contact between said cutting edges and said utility knife thereby preventing the dulling of said cutting edges.
 39. The method according to claim 22, wherein: each said distinct point comprises a double hook including a first hook inner edge, a second hook inner edge, and a convex outer edge joining said first hook inner edge and said second hook inner edge; and each said double hook inner edge comprising one of said plurality of cutting edges.
 40. The method according to claim 39, wherein said utility knife receiver head includes a hinged panel configured to close over said cutting blade upon placing said cutting blade within said receiver head.
 41. The method according to claim 40, wherein: said primary mounting hole comprises a plurality of spokes connected to a generally circular central cavity, said spokes configured to receive a tooth located on said retaining bolt; and said panel includes a panel mounting hole for receiving said retaining bolt, said panel mounting hole shaped identically to said primary mounting hole.
 42. The method according to claim 41, wherein: a notch is located between said first cutting edge and said second cutting edge, said notch configured to receive a stabilizing element located within said utility knife to isolate the rotation of said cutting blade when retained within said utility knife; and said notch further configured to reduce contact between said cutting edges and said utility knife thereby preventing the dulling of said cutting edges.
 43. The method according to claim 22, wherein said primary mounting hole comprises a cavity punched out of the center of the body, said cavity featuring three long edges interspaced by three short edges forming a total of six sides.
 44. The method according to claim 22, wherein a grippable area is located on at least one of said first face and said second face of said body, said grippable area including a plurality of cuts into the material comprising said body configured to increase the ability to grasp said cutting blade when removing, rotating, or replacing said blade within said utility knife.
 45. The method according to claim 44, wherein a grip comprising said grippable area is located in proximity to each of said respective points on each of said first face and said second face of said body.
 46. The method according to claim 45, wherein said grip is generally triangular in shape and wherein said grip contains a hole located at the center point, said hole piercing through said body.
 47. The method according to claim 22, further comprising at least one mass-reducing cutout punched through the body of said cutting blade, said mass-reducing cutout configured to reduce cutting friction from said cutting blade when using a respective active cutting edge.
 48. The method according to claim 22, wherein said primary mounting hole is triangular in shape.
 49. The method according to claim 22, wherein said primary mounting hole is shaped as a six-sided star.
 50. The method according to claim 22, wherein each of said plurality of cutting edges features a scalloped edge. 